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240 William could get me that agistment-money! 'tis a heavy thing to lose; but going to law, as my poor father used to say, is like fishing for gudgeons [not a bad little fish, we can have some for supper,] with guineas)—knowledge, as well as its splendid and overpowering—(I do love Will for keeping up the family honour; I am sure it is more than I have done—heigh-ho!)—eloquence!"

"And on what subject has he been speaking, Papa?"

"Oh, a very fine subject; what you call a—(it is astonishing that in this country there should be such a wish for taking away people's characters, which, for my part, I don't see is a bit more entertaining than what you are always doing—playing with those stupid birds)—Libel!"

"But is not my uncle William coming down to see us? He promised to do so, and it made you quite happy, Papa, for two days. I hope he will not disappoint you; and I am sure that it is not his fault if he ever seems to neglect you. He spoke of you to me, when I saw him, in the kindest and most affectionate manner. I do think, my dear father, that he loves you very much."